Last week, I explored one of my favourite topics: colour — and how to spark your imagination when choosing palettes for your next project. This week, I’m excited to share something brand new: the journey behind my latest design, from that first tiny spark of inspiration right through to the finished piece.
The Mistwood Hooded Scarf began as a simple question I asked myself while playing with my handspun yarn: what if that cosy autumn wrap I’d just finished… had a hood? I’d been experimenting with Tunisian crochet stitches, enjoying the textures and the meditative rhythm, and the finished wrap had such lovely weight and drape that I couldn’t help imagining more.
But as these things often go, my first attempt taught me exactly what not to do! The original shawl was far too wide to fold into a hood — a quick try-on left me with fabric flopping in front of my eyes. Practical, it was not.
So I went back to the sketchbook and re-imagined the piece as a narrower scarf: still enveloping and warm, but proportioned perfectly for a folded hood. With that settled, I knew the next step was choosing the right yarn. I loved the feel of my handspun wrap, so I set out to find a worsted-weight yarn with a high wool content and good structure.
A browse through Wool Warehouse (dangerous, as always…) led me straight to Cascade 220. It ticked every box — and then came the matter of colour. I like to pretend I considered several options, but the moment I saw Lepidolite Heather, a soft purple with subtle depth, the decision was made. A quick bit of yarn maths told me I’d need four skeins. Maths isn’t my strongest skill, but happily, I was spot on.
The scarf itself worked up quickly. The hood folded neatly, just as I’d hoped. But it needed one final playful touch — something a bit whimsical. So I crocheted a set of curly “tails” to sit at the point of the hood. Completely unnecessary… and completely delightful. They made me smile, and I hope they’ll do the same for anyone who makes or wears this piece.
The pattern is now available in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry (hence this slightly late blog post!)..
Whatever colours or yarns you choose, I hope the Mistwood Hooded Scarf brings warmth, joy, and a little touch of magic to your making.
Happy crafting until next week, when I’ll be focusing on cosy crochet projects for chilly evenings.
Sue
Pearson Handmade 